CrossFit has become very popular, but does it really work? On this lucky 13th episode of the Run The Race podcast, we get some insight (6:00) from a CrossFit gym owner in Alabama.

(7:30) Elliott Quinones starts by talking about being overweight while in the Army, what it was like on his 3 combat deployments to Afghanistan, why he received the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and life after the military.

(13:40) The former Staff Sgt. describes what CrossFit is and he has a message for those intimidated by these kinds of workouts. (17:20) He also opens up with me about transitioning from the Army to CrossFit thanks in part to depression, weight gain, and a DUI while he was a drill sergeant on Fort Benning,

The owner of CrossFit Deprivation in Phenix City (21:35) chats about leadership skills he learned from the Army and (23:57) how anyone can succeed long-term with fitness goals. How can you stay motivated and make it stick?

(27:50) Quinones is also in the top 5% fittest people on Earth, according to countless competitions. This gym owner that transformed himself is now focused on helping others deal with chronic pain, chronic disease, injuries. No reason to push through pain and be miserable!

We close our conversation (33:15) by talking about mental health outside and inside the gym, having a positive mindset (no complaining allowed in the gym), balancing a busy life, and his new fitness podcast.

In the "Food for Thought" segment (40:40), we talk the pros & cons of CrossFit and faith comparisons.

Thanks for listening! Hope you enjoy the podcast. Please subscribe, and share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.